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RAF Typhoon jets scrambled after Russian military planes approach UK airspace

RAF Typhoon jets were called to head off Russian military planes approaching Scotland (file photo): AFP/Getty Images
RAF Typhoon jets were called to head off Russian military planes approaching Scotland (file photo): AFP/Getty Images

Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to monitor a pair of Russian military planes flying towards UK airspace.

The fighter jets took off from the Lossiemouth base in Scotland on Wednesday.

The Typhoons were sent to monitor two Russian aircraft which were heading towards a UK "area of interest".

Once the RAF jets were airborne, both Russian planes turned away and no intercept took place.

An RAF spokesman said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth launched to monitor two Russian military aircraft as they approached the UK area of interest, however, the aircraft turned away and no intercept took place."

A Voyager refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton also supported the Typhoons.

It is the latest incident in which RAF jets have been scrambled in response to Russian military manoeuvres.

Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby were sent to check on two Russian Blackjack bombers in February this year.

Last year Russian warships were tracked as they passed through the English Channel on their way to Syria.